 | |||||||
November 3, 2026
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| Elections in Texas |
|---|
 |
 Government |
The 2026 Texas gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Texas. Incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott declared his intention to run for election to an unprecedented fourth term on November 9, 2025.[1] If Abbott were to be successful and finish out a fourth full term, he would become the state's longest-serving governor with 16 years on January 21, 2031, surpassing the 14 years of his predecessor, Rick Perry. He would also tie with former California Governor Jerry Brown and former South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow as the fourth longest-serving governor in United States history at 5,845 days served.
Party primaries are scheduled on March 3, 2026, and potential primary runoffs where no candidate receives over 50% in a primary would be on May 26, 2026. The filing deadline was December 8, 2025.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Greg Abbott, incumbent governor (2015–present)[2]
- Bob Achgill, literary researcher and candidate for Bryan City Council in 2024[2]
- Evelyn Brooks, member of the Texas State Board of Education from the 14th district (2023–present)[2]
- Pete Chambers, former Lieutenant Colonel in U.S. Army Special Forces[3]
- Charles Andrew Crouch, author[2]
- Arturo Espinosa, candidate in 2025 San Antonio mayoral election[2][4]
- Mark Goloby, businessman and conservative activist[5]
- Kenneth Hyde, contractor[2]
- Stephen Samuelson, veteran[2][6]
- Ronnie Tullos, project manager[2]
- Nathaniel Welch, businessman[2][6]
Endorsements
Greg Abbott
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[7]
- Labor unions
- Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas[8]
- Houston Police Officers Union[9]
- Dallas Police Association[10]
- Fort Worth Police Officers Association[10]
- National Border Patrol Council[11]
- Organizations
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Greg Abbott (incumbent) | |||
| Republican | R.F. "Bob" Achgill | |||
| Republican | Evelyn Brooks | |||
| Republican | Pete "Doc" Chambers | |||
| Republican | Charles Andrew Crouch | |||
| Republican | Arturo Espinosa | |||
| Republican | Mark V. Goloby | |||
| Republican | Kenneth Hyde | |||
| Republican | Stephen Samuelson | |||
| Republican | Ronnie Tullos | |||
| Republican | Nathaniel Welch | |||
| Total votes | 100.00 | |||
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Patricia Abrego[2]
- Chris Bell, former U.S. representative for Texas's 25th congressional district (2003–2005), nominee for governor in 2006, candidate for mayor of Houston in 2001 and 2015, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020[14]
- Bobby Cole, rancher[15]
- Carlton Hart, event manager[2][6]
- Gina Hinojosa, state representative from the 49th district (2017–present)[16]
- Jose Navarro Balbuena, tax strategist[2]
- Faizan Syed, manager[2]
- Zach Vance, veteran[2][6]
- Angela Villescaz, education and gun safety advocate[2][6]
Withdrawn
- Ben Flores, Bay City councilor (running for Texas Land Commissioner, endorsed Hinojosa)[17]
- Nick Pappas, marine veteran (running for Denton County Judge)[18][19]
- Andrew White, son of former governor Mark White, and candidate for governor in 2018 (endorsed Hinojosa)[20]
Declined
- Jasmine Crockett, U.S. representative from Texas's 30th congressional district (2023–present) (running for U.S. Senate, endorsed Hinojosa)[21][22]
- Veronica Escobar, U.S. representative from Texas's 16th congressional district (2019–present) (running for re-election, endorsed Hinojosa)[23][22]
- Clay Jenkins, Dallas County Judge[a] (2011–present)[24]
- Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. representative from Texas's 16th congressional district (2013–2019), nominee for governor in 2022, nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018, and candidate for president in 2020[25]
- Ron Nirenberg, former mayor of San Antonio (2017–2025) (running for Bexar County Judge)[26]
Endorsements
Gina Hinojosa
- U.S. representatives
- Greg Casar, TX-35 (2023–present)[22]
- Jasmine Crockett, TX-30 (2023–present)[22]
- Lloyd Doggett, TX-37 (1995–present)[22]
- Veronica Escobar, TX-16 (2019–present)[22]
- Sylvia Garcia, TX-29 (2019–present)[22]
- Vicente Gonzalez, TX-34 (2017–present)[22]
- Julie Johnson, TX-32 (2025–present)[22]
- Colin Allred, former TX-32 (2019–2025)[22]
- State legislators
- James Talarico, state representative from the 50th district (2018–present)[27]
- Individuals
- Andrew White, son of former governor Mark White and former gubernatorial candidate [20]
- Labor unions
- Texas American Federation of Teachers[28]
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Chris Bell |
Bobby Cole |
Gina Hinojosa |
Jose Navarro |
Angela Villescaz |
Andrew White |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Southern University[29] | December 9–11, 2025 | 1,600 (LV) | ± 2.5% | 5% | 3% | 41% | 1% | 1% | 6% | 1% | 42% |
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Patricia Abrego | |||
| Democratic | Chris Bell | |||
| Democratic | Bobby Cole | |||
| Democratic | Carlton W. Hart | |||
| Democratic | Gina Hinojosa | |||
| Democratic | Jose Navarro Balbuena | |||
| Democratic | Faizan Syed | |||
| Democratic | Zach Vance | |||
| Democratic | Angela "Tia Angie" Villescaz | |||
| Democratic | Andrew White | |||
| Total votes | 100.00 | |||
Independents
Candidates
- Jenn Mack Raphoon[30]
Declined
- Matthew McConaughey, Academy Award-winning actor[31][32]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[33] | Solid R | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[34] | Solid R | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[35] | Safe R | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[36] | Likely R | January 17, 2026 |
Polling
Greg Abbott vs. Gina Hinojosa
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Greg Abbott (R) |
Gina Hinojosa (D) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson College/Nexstar Media[37] | January 10–12, 2025 | 1,165 (RV) | ± 2.8% | 50% | 42% | 8% |
Hypothetical polling
Generic Republican vs. generic Democrat
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Generic Republican |
Generic Democrat |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Public Opinion Research[38] | August 27–29, 2025 | 843 (RV) | ± 4.6% | 49% | 43% | 8%[c] | – |
See also
Notes
- ^ County executive
- ^ a b c Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ "Someone else" with 8%
References
- ^ Gou, Kayla (November 9, 2025). "Gov. Greg Abbott launches reelection campaign for fourth term". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Candidate Information". Texas Secretary of State. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ^ "From Greek Roots to the Texas Frontier: Pete Chambers Bold Run for Governor". Helleniscope. June 30, 2025. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
- ^ Taylor, Bill; Cerna, Ryan; Parker, Kolten (April 22, 2025). "SAN ANTONIO MAYOR'S RACE: Who is running for the city's top job in May 3 election". KSAT. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ "Mark Goloby Announces Campaign for Texas Governor". The Texas Tribune. July 10, 2025. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Texas Statewide — All Races". texascandidatetracker.com. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ Dey, Sneha (November 12, 2025). "Donald Trump endorses Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for reelection". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
- ^ Henry, John (January 7, 2026). "Gov. Abbott Opens Election Season With Law Enforcement Endorsements". Fort Worth Magazine. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Gov. Greg Abbott gets reelection endorsement from Houston Police Officers' Union". CW39. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ a b Rogers, Chase (January 7, 2026). "Abbott: Dallas leaders' failure on policing, homelessness to blame for AT&T relocation". Dallas News. Archived from the original on January 7, 2026. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ Giaritelli, Anna (January 14, 2026). "Abbott locks down coveted Border Patrol union's endorsement". Washington Examiner. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
- ^ "2026 Primary Election Endorsements". Texas Alliance for life. November 25, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
- ^ Darsch, Nathan (December 3, 2025). "Young Conservatives of Texas Endorses Governor Greg Abbott - Young Conservatives of TexasYoung Conservatives of Texas". Young Conservatives of Texas. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
- ^ Jeffers, Gromer (November 10, 2025). "Another Democrat joins the race for Texas governor in 2026". The Dallas Morning News.
- ^ Bugenhagen, Faith (June 24, 2025). "East Texas farmer launches 2026 bid to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott". Chron.com. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
- ^ Wermund, Benjamin (October 15, 2025). "Austin state Rep. Gina Hinojosa launches Democratic bid against Greg Abbott". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ Van Hal, Kavan (October 17, 2025). "Flores exits governor race, launches bid for Texas Land Commissioner". Bay City Tribune. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
Flores also announced his endorsement of State Representative Gina Hinojosa for governor.
- ^ Imran, Shehzil (November 1, 2025). "Democratic candidates answer questions at forum ahead of March 2026 election". NTDaily.com. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
- ^ "Today, I have officially filed for Denton County Judge in 2026!". Nick Pappas on Instagram. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Guo, Kayla (January 5, 2026). "Houston businessman Andrew White drops bid for Texas governor, endorses fellow Democrat Gina Hinojosa". Texas Tribune. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
- ^ Wermund, Benjamin (September 18, 2025). "Why Texas Democrats aren't lining up to take on Greg Abbott in the midterms". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Nir, David (October 15, 2025). "Morning Digest: Arizona threatens to sue after House GOP refuses to seat Democrat". Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ Solender, Andrew (April 10, 2025). "A growing wave of House members is grasping for higher office". Axios. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
- ^ Jeffers, Gromer Jr. (April 7, 2025). "Texas Democrats are searching for 2026 candidates as they resist President Donald Trump". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ Washington, Zacharia (May 20, 2025). "Here are 5 key points from Beto O'Rourke's town hall in Garland". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
When a young kid asked O'Rourke at the rally in Garland 'if he was going to face Texas Gov. Greg Abbott again,"' his answer, in short, was 'we'll see on the decision to run down the road.'
- ^ Moreno, Andrea; Marquez, RJ; Luna, Jarryd (November 15, 2025). "Former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg announces bid for Bexar County judge". KSAT. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
- ^ Molina, Daniel (October 21, 2025). "Collin Allred, James Talarico Endorse Gina Hinojosa for Governor". Texas Politics. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ^ "Texas AFT COPE Endorses Hinojosa for Governor, Garibay to Replace Her in Texas House". Texas American Federation of Teachers. December 12, 2025. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ Adams, Michael O.; Jones, Mark P. (December 2025). "The 2026 Texas Democratic Primaries: Governor & Attorney General" (PDF). Texas Southern University. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ^ "Jenn Mack Raphoon Signs Texas First Pledge for Governor - Texian Partisan". November 3, 2025. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
- ^ Zelman, Kevin. "Matthew McConaughey wants to become the Governor of Texas one day". KFOX14. Retrieved September 26, 2025.
- ^ Marks, Madi (November 13, 2025). "Is Matthew McConaughey running for governor? Viral TikTok has fans dazed and confused". FOX 4. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ "Texas 2026 Poll: Talarico Leads Crockett for Democratic Senate Nomination, Cornyn and Paxton Face Potential Runoff". Emerson College Polling. January 15, 2026. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
- ^ "Texas Senate Primaries Take Shape as Statewide Races Stay Close". Texas Public Opinion Research. September 12, 2025. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites
- Greg Abbott (R) for Governor
- Chris Bell (D) for Governor
- Evelyn Brooks (R) for Governor
- "Doc" Pete Chambers (R) for Governor
- Bobby Cole (D) for Governor
- Charles Crouch (R) for Governor
- Gina Hinojosa (D) for Governor
- Kenneth Hyde (R) for Governor
- Jenn Mack (I) for Governor
- Nick Pappas (D) for Governor
- Ronnie Tullos (R) for Governor
- Zach Vance (D) for Governor
- Andrew White (D) for Governor
